Friday, March 30, 2007

Yes, spring is here but not at my house. I woke up this morning with goosebumps! Looked outside and watched it snow. WHAT??? I would have liked to gone back to bed. Instead I stamped with some new friends here. I had a blast. It felt so good to stamp with buddies.

I have stamped all day. I am working on quite a few projects. I am not one to submit work to mags, but I am feeling a little frisky and *think* I might submit a few items. So, if they dont' make it... I will share here soon!

I wanted to share a blog with you. My sister in law is a demo and fantabulous stamper. She has a new blog that she updates quite regularly and you MUST check it out. She is a stampin' fool lately. Hmmmm.... wonder where my card is??? *wink* Go HERE....

Sorry there is nothing to share but my babble, but tomorrow should bring good things. I must go to bed and dream about the beach! I need warmth!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Okay, so I am a little late. I said I would post back yesterday and ended up on the computer most of the day instead of the creating like I wanted. Today was more my creating day. The wind outside was too much for me to take so the kids and I had another day indoors. Looks like tomorrow may be the same. What a bummer.

Anyhoo, I was working on my Scraps in the Mail program. This is a new program I am offering and I am quite excited about it. The unfortunate thing about moving is leaving great friends and great people to teach. I have seen so many other people teach either online or by mail, I thought why not I? This is where my passion of papercrafts lies anyways. I figured until I get my classes going here, why not give it a shot!! I started a Stamps in the Mail program last month and it is going very well. I figured I could give the scrapbooking end a try too. Basically it is a club in the mail. They will do (4) 8 1/2 x 11 layouts each month for a three month period. They get product from me, and Stampin' Up! to do these great layouts. I think it will be a fun program. If you want more info, just shoot me an email by clicking on the

link at the top. :)

Here is one of the things I was working on today. In fact, I was washing dishes when I was hit with this design idea. Literally, I dropped the dish back in the water and had to run and put it together. Ever had a moment like that? Who needs to house clean anyways? I am keeping the memories alive in the household. It should count for something!

Back to the show: I am on a kick to scrap 8 1/2x11 lately. I love this size. It is fast and fun! The idea that came to my crazy head was using the new petals roller in black on Kraft paper. Then adding Cool Caribbean down the side of it. What I was trying to achieve with the title was a circle effect, however that did not come out like I had planned. Close enough and I like the way it worked. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have Big Deal Alphabet. Honestly, it is the best alpha on the market and so perfect for scrapbooking. Not to big, not to small. I also used the Polka Dot and Petals set and used the round circle down the creamy caramel strip stamped in Classic Black. I really like how that turned out. I sponged the edges to make it pop, and then matted it on Cool Caribbean. Such a fresh color. You are probably asking why I chose black for an Easter page. I dunno really, I just wanted to. That is why I love scrapbooking. I can do what I want. :) But the Cool Caribbean brought the springy-ness back. I also stamped the polka dot circle along the side of the Cool Caribbean before matting it to give a scalloped edge look. LOVE this element. Although sometimes it is hard to line up, if your stamp is mounted correctly, it shouldn't be a problem. I also took my paper piercer and poked holes along both edges of the Cool Caribbean. Love that hole maker. giggle! Here is a closer look at that....

Here you can also see the the hodgepodge hardware that I added with a little Chocolate Grosgrain ribbon. I likey a lot! Last, besides adding the pictures, I added the 2003 using the new doodles Alphabet numbers. I punched a label out of my word window punch and placed that underneath then added brads. Since I wanted the layout to flow a little more, I added more brads above the 'E's. This kinda follows that rule of thirds and gives your layout the balance that it needs. Plus, it is just plain fun to add them.

Here is a closer look at the bottom of my layout: Strip journaling is pretty popular right now and I thought this would be more fun on this particular page. I really didn't want to write a story about this day, since honestly I can not remember anything except my son sure was cute that day back in 2003! I did reflect on words I could feel from the picture. Viola! There is the layout! Now, back to some cards. I am so behind on cards!

I hope your week is quite fabulous and you find time to sit and relax! I challenge you to find an old picture and just start scrapbooking. Get your groove on and let everything else go, like the dishes! Happy Hump day!

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Yeppers!! Spring Break has started here and I only hope this means warmer weather here. This past Saturday it rained and SNOWED! Then Sunday we were wearing short sleeves at the park. CRAZY weather! We started our spring break at the zoo yesterday and I have never seen so many hills in my life. I could barely walk after I got home. This was a true slap in my face that I am OUTTA shape! Jeesh! The kids had a blast and that is all that counts.

So, I have been busy stamping. In fact, I have a few projects I am working on and will unveil later today. I've been working on my Scrapbooks in the Mail program most of the weekend along with some really cute cards for a friend of mine. Both are just about completed. I am a GREAT multi tasker. What mom isn't? I have to tweek my Scrapbook program and I will tell ya all about it later as well. I think it will be a fun program. You'll see!! :)

I believe today will be an indoor day since it is foggy, rainy and down right COLD!

Happy Tuesday... and oh, you know what Tuesdays bring!! Time to get the cleaner out!

Saturday, March 24, 2007

I'm feeling JOYFUL today, so I thought I would share a JOYFUL page with you as well. This page is using the Bundle Special that Stampin' Up! has going on until the end of this month. To find out more information on this great special, just email me using the link at the top of my blog.

For this page I used Kraft paper (one of my fav's) and rolled the bottom with the Spring Mini Jumbo roller in Old Olive. I used my White Gel pen and placed little dots within the flowers to make the rolled border pop a little more. My title is stamped using the Big Deal Alphabet. You have heard me say this time and again, I just love this alphabet for the million uses it has. I punched a circle using a 1" circle punch from the spring mini paper Petals and Paisleys and placed it underneath our clear buttons. These buttons are another great accessory as you can stamp on these or place paper underneath for a great patterned button. So fun! I used the flower and sentiment from Polka Dots and Paisleys set and stamped the flower next to my title and added a brad for extra fun! Then added black gingham ribbon to accessorize the page a little more. This layout literally took just a few minutes to make. I love using black and white photos because my brain doesn't have to match patterned paper with colors pulled from the photos. You can use any colors when using black and white. Makes scrapbooking even easier!!!

For the many of you that have asked, my first event here (stamp a stack) went FABULOUS!!! I was on cloud nine the entire night. The entire event was so organized. The other area demonstrators are just amazing and really know how to put this together. I had 9 ladies that registered and 8 that were able to attend. I believe we all had a GREAT time and I can't wait to do this again. I love my job! I can't imagine doing anything else.

I hope you have a GREAT Saturday. I have many thank you cards to stamp so I better get on the ball. It's a perfect day for stamping. Cloudy and rainy!

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Well, I am alive. I have been very busy getting my first event in Colorado ready. My big Stamp a Stack is tomorrow and I am really looking forward to it. I have 8 ladies that will be stamping with me and I could just jump up and down!!! Yippie Yea!!

I've also been a little under the weather, but slowly on the mend.

I thought I would show you a great gift idea. You can buy these great wood frames from Joannes, Micheals or really anywhere. I love to catch them on sale. I believe I bought this one for $2. Whoo Hoo! I think these make perfect gifts for teachers or friends. The Doodle This set is a fabulous set to use on a frame. Stamp in Stazon (remember... you want it to Stay-ON!) right onto to the wood. I used markers to color in my images on the frame. To be honest, this could fade with time if left in a window near the sun. Once I stamped the outside of the frame, it was time to do the inside. I used my favorite flower in the set and used a blender pen and ink to watercolor. I just stamped this on Whisper White Cardstock, and blended fast so I would not get the paper boogers. I took summer sun pastels and placed around the inside of the flower to give a little more pop. That is it. Took me about 15 minutes to put the entire frame together including cutting the flower out!! Fabulous gift!!

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Have you ever started a card and it just go so off your original track you don't know what to do with it??? This happened to two cards I had been working on. Typically I just adore watercoloring. I believe my sinus ouchie has affected my watercoloring. I do like the end result and it's for a dear friend and downline of mine who is under the weather. I hope this can cheer her up! I have always loved this set In Full Bloom. I hate to admit it really had a lot of dust on it. I think I wore this set out and just tucked it away from over use. It's a great set to watercolor. Here are the itsy bitsy details:Stamps: In Full Bloom, Sincere SalutationsCS: Cool Caribbean, Old Olive, Marigold Morning, Basic BlackInk: Stazon BlackAccess: Slit punch, brad, ribbon, Watercolor Crayons, Aqua Painter, Stickles

Other News:

I thought I was adjusting to the altitude pretty well until this past week. My sinuses have been acting up pretty terrible. I think due to the extreme dryness in this area. I am so use to the humidity and without it here my sinus cavity is dry as a bone. Which causes real pain. I've been drinking water like crazy and actually think that is helping things. Time to add humidity back into the house. I think I will hook one up in my room and office to see if it helps.

Now if you are a demonstrator coming to Denver in July... Be Aware! Two things you will need in the area: 1. Lots and lots and lots of WATER! 2. Body Butter. If you don't dip your body in the stuff every two hours you will become a LIZARD! Promise. I would take a picture of my skin, but I am afraid you would never visit my blog again. LOL!!! I can't get over how DRY it is here. Otherwise, it is quite beautiful here. :)

Okay, one last card to show you. This is the other card I tried watercoloring and just couldn't get it right. Oh well, who cares. It was relaxing while the aqua painter was stroking the paper... Right???

Another set I love to watercolor. So glad I have this set. This set is a hostess level 2 set, Both Way Blossoms. As always, I hope you enjoy and I hope your weekend is spectacular.

Friday, March 16, 2007

For some reason blogger is giving me fits when I want to put two pics in. So... I will just add another post. Psst! One of the reasons I actually bought the crab set was to make some scrap pages with the crab. When we were in Newport, RI there are blue crabs on the beach. The kids loved them and tried to chase them. They were everywhere especially by the War College. In honor of blue crabs... here is a little long note with him!

I used prismacolors again with gamsol. Added a few new eyeballs and popped up his claws. I used my Karen Foster snap stamps to make the sentiment "feeling blue?" I used my Marvy giga Square punch and cut it in half to make a long rectangle and then pierced the scalloped part for added texture. I also added some of the new notations paper. It is the So Saffron paper with the flowers on it. Then a little ribbon and Viola! A BLUE crab!!!

So don't feel crabby today. It's Friday. Be happy ! Thanks so much for stoppin' in and chatting with me!

Oh my! Very exciting news to report to you this morning. I almost dropped my coffee. (That is a sin you know!) I was checking my email this morning when I had seen a comment on my blog about the scrappin page I posted yesterday. Of course, the sweet comment was followed with a link and she told me to check it out of course. CHECK THIS OUT!!!!! Can you believe that? I was so excited to see what she wrote and quite tickled to see my page on her site. Can I hear a little Whoop Whoop for me? Ahhhhh... I love good things like this. Makes me happy!!

In other news. I am working on many classes that I plan to teach in April. I have my big Stamp a Stack coming up next week. I am so excited to share that I have 6 new ladies coming to this event. This is HUGE!!! I still have time to meet others and invite them. I am just excited I will have the opportunity to teach and share the passion of rubbah stampin' and scrappin'! Can you feel my energy?????

Okay, so I know what you're after. A little creativity this morning. I am up to the crazy crab again today. He really rocks my world. Actually, I should say "She"! *giggle*

I really like working with these long notes. I think they make such cute cards. I colored her in with Prismacolors and used the gamsol technique to get that cool watercolor look. I gave her new eyeballs and beautiful lashes for a fresh makeover. I did have to cut a few slits in her claws to make my sign *Snappy Birthday* stand out. I added a little stickles on the claws for a little bling, bling. Hello, she is a girl!! I love how this pink and black just stand out. YUMMY!! Happy Friday!!

Thursday, March 15, 2007

I took the plunge and purchased this set because I couldn't stand it anymore. I just love this crazy crab!! I know someone that has a birthday coming pretty quickly and I think this may be the first year she gets a card either ahead or on her birthday. I am terrible about getting cards to family on time. Jeesh!!!

I was able to sit down last night and scrap. Lots has been going on at our household and I needed a little time to escape the insanity! Nothing takes me to that awesome place better than scrapbooking. I have had this photo of B sitting on my desk for ages. Even prior to the move. It sat in the same spot. I knew what I wanted to do with it just wasn't sure of the design. I started with the pic in the middle and then I grabbed that new Notations paper, and away I went. As my children get older there are so many things they say and do at these ages I NEVER want to forget. I used this page to journal the little details about B at the age of 5. From his favorite movies, to little milestones he has hurdled as a 5 year old, ie.. no more training wheels. The chipboard is actually pretty naked except for the doodles stamped directly onto them. I sponged lightly around them to make them pop a little more. I loved that the Notations paper had the numbers in many of the patterns which made this layout really come together. I wanted to repeat the number 5 which would give the layout a better balance in using the good ole rule of threes. Another piece of magic on this page was using the black cardstock. I believe it really made it pop on this paper. I used my favorite alphabet Big Deal. I love this alphabet because it is so universal and there are so many ways you can use it. This is what I call a "more bang for your buck" set. Lastly, who couldn't resist that adorable sweaty face??? Ahhh...

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Yes, thanks for waiting patiently for me to finally get a card uploaded! I've been quite busy. My little girl has an ear infection, but we got her fix it medicine today and I think we should be on the mend. I have been busy getting a Stamp a Stack ready that I have 4 ladies coming too. I am so excited I could do a jig at my computer chair. Very exciting. I am also stamping with a Girl Scout troop tomorrow night so I am getting cards ready for them to stamp. They will stamp these cards for the troops. Very fun and exciting.

So what about that card...

I used some old favorites of mine. The fun part of this card is the way the saying "Thanks a Million" is jetted out from where I put it in the slit punch. Does that make sense? I didn't use dimensionals, it just pops on out there. Here is the card receipe:

Sunday, March 11, 2007

What a great weekend! I have so many great things to tell you! One, I did get time to stamp! The best part was I got outta my shell and met some really nice people here in the Springs. If you remember I told you I would be cropping at my local Archivers on Saturday night. I had such a great time and met other scrappers. They were so kind and I left with a HUGE smile on my face. None of these ladies knew how special I really did feel once I left. I did make some cards at the crop. I didn't have a clue where to begin packing when it came time for scrapbooking. I just have too much stuff. I worked on a few of these cards. I must admit, they are not my favorites. I honestly was gabbing too much to care. I got this color combo off a In Color chart I have. I wasn't sure I would like all these colors together, but really I did. The colors used were Cool Caribbean, Vintage Violet, Really Rust, True Thyme.

I wanted to try a Long note using the chocolate designer paper. I love this paper. I like the way these colors look together. I used the Label Classics Stamp set and stamped with my Paisley background first. Then stamped with the Polka Dots and Paiselys set, then the Label classics. You can't see it very well, but I stamped the Paisleys on the Chocolate Chip paper. I sponged that paper as well and it almost looks like Leather. Love that look.

I'm getting ready to pull out more stamps for the night. What could be better than ending a weekend with Stamping? Oh, almost forgot. Since it was such a beautiful day I was able to meet some of my neighbors today. Yea!!! Just a GREAT weekend. I hope your weekend was the same.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

I love sparkly stuff. Yippie!!! I know you may be sick of my Doodle This set but I am just having so much fun with it. I used watercolor paper and stamped with Black stazon then colored in using my watercolor crayons. I then added fruit punch stickles by Ranger to the flower and the doodles. I love the way the stickles color complimented the coral. I think the celery cardstock looks very spring/summery.

Since I was in a sparkly mood, let me introduce my sparkly giraffe...

Agian, I used watercolor paper and stamped in black stazon. Colored him in using watercolor crayons and then added diamond stickles by Ranger on the inside of him. On the spots, I used a glue pen and dazzling diamonds to make him sparkle. Once I matted this onto Taken with Teal cardstock I used my slit punch tucked the watercolor paper in there. I added bashful blue brads. The bashful blue cardstock was stamped with Fine Lace Background stamp. The vellum seen underneath the Taken with Teal was scalloped using my corner rounder and to make the vellum pop more, I placed a piece of Taken with Teal cardstock underneath. I punched little holes in the scalloped part and then added that pretty ribbon. Over all, fun card to make. I still have more baby and birthday cards to make. March is a busy month!!

I hope you have had a wonderful day!! I did. I have my positive Patsy smile on today!! The kids are getting better and American Idol is on. Whoo Hoo!!

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

I started to post these earlier but my computer was not being friendly. Anyhoo.. here are my creations from last night. I will share a few others tomorrow.

As you can see, I am still stuck on the Doodle This set. I can't help it. Really. It is such an easy set to work with. I colored the flower on WW using my Aqua painter and watercolor crayons. I added a little bling in the middle with Stampendous little jewel thingies. I matted this on Green Galore and then stamped Hello using the Doodle Alphabet. Again, another great alphabet that is very versitle. I cut a half circle in the Petals & Paisleys Designer Paper with my coluzzle. Do you have one??? I personally LOVE mine. Couldn't live without it. I sponged the edges with Taken with Teal to pop that circle a bit. Dotted background was stamped on Cool Caribbean and then a little Apple Green Grosgrain was added because I just had to have it on there.

This one is a CASE from one of my fav's...Ms. Cambria. I loved how she used that chocolate paper to make a flower. I used this same flower on a scrapbook page and since I got a little outta hand with the oval punches, I made a card for a friends birthday. Hmm... wonder who is getting this one? I used the two oval punches to make a tag as well. I love that Office Accoutrement set and used the big ole' flower in that set on the right side. I pulled out some of my hardware and used it to hang my tag. I added some doodles around the punched flower to help make that flower pop more.

Lastly, this was a fairly simple card with not too many layers. I can go a little nuts on the layers. Amazing to me how a card with just a few layers does look REALLY nice and it is very clean looking. I used Doodle This and stamped the flower on WW, watercolored and cut out. I popped the flower up on dimensionals. I placed brads in the circles of the doodles. I watercolored a small portion of flowers. I stamped the flower on the designer paper and then cut out the very middle of the flower. Not really thrilled with that, but it's okay. I think had the middle been a different pattern it would of stood out more. The word Discover came from Handbill Headlines set. Life came from the Happy Everything set.

I think that is all for this evening. Thank you again for the encouraging words. It does help. I signed up for the crop and I'm looking forward to it.

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Happy Tuesday friends! We are still a little under the weather in my household, but getting better. I was able to sit down last night and create a few projects. I was completely inspired last week with a fabulous card by Cambria. As soon as I had seen this card, I wanted to make a scrapbook page with it. I will admit that I love punches and I love it when there are new ways to use punches. I had seen this flower months ago made from the oval punch and fell in love with it back then. So, the wheels have been turning. The flowers are made from the small and large oval punches by Stampin' Up! If you are a punchie type of gal, you will love this punch. I used the new designer paper in the spring mini and matted it on Cool Caribbean paper. I used a few stamp sets on this page. I love the new Office Accoutrement. Many great uses for this stamp set. I stamped the flowers in So Saffron onto So Saffron Cardstock. I took my paper piercer and added a few holes around the flowers to give them a little texture. I also added a few more of the smaller flowers in So Saffron around the page. Some I stamped off so you could barely see them. This is what I love about using stamps on scrapbook pages. You can make your own designer paper. I used my Taken with Teal marker and inked up the brackets from this same set and stamped. Then used Wonderful Words and stamped LOVE inside the brackets. Lastly, I used the Doodle This set along with the Doodle alphabet (which I ADORE!!!) and stamped around one of the doodles. I used my white gel pen to add a few accents and a black fine tip marker to add some doodles around the flowers. I really cannot get enough of the doodles. I just like the way it adds that punky flair to a page or any design.

Well, time to get back to reality. It is Tuesday. If you follow my blog you know what Tuesdays are. It is already late morning and I haven't even started. Blah Blah Blah!!!

Sunday, March 4, 2007

yes, thats right! The Colorado cooties!! YUCK! Haven't created anything in a couple of days as I have been caring for a little one who just doesn't feel his spunky 5 year old self. I believe I left off with we were going to the clinic. Well, as it turns out, he has strep. High fever, cough, and just feeling a little punky! Yesterday was a little better, but today he seems to have declined once again. Man, nothing is worse than sick babies. I despise it. Seems like everyone I speak with has a sick one lately. Friday I was just in panic mode. I am so use to seeing our regular pediatrician and well, HE is not here in Colorado!! In fact, we don't have one yet. I found an urgent care clinic and made an appt. I was REALLY wowed by the staff there. The nurse was just so caring. She could see that my little boy was feeling TERRIBLE. She gave the kids crayons, coloring book and a snack. What? Never had this before. Again, I have my guard up because I am outta my elements. We don't know these people and my usual GREAT pediatrician is NOT here. Really, this is such an awful feeling. The feeling of not knowing what to expect. However it turned out to be a GREAT experience. Almost red carpet care. Most importantly was that I felt comfortable with the care my son received. We left with a few meds and we were out the door. The best part, the Dr. told me which peds/family practice Dr. he recommends. I felt good when I left and my anxiety level had decreased a bit. Now if only Brandon could get well. I may need another visit tomorrow if I don't see an improvment.

I must really thank ya'll for listening to me ramble. I cant' tell you how great it is to release some energy onto this blog. One of the hardest things about moving is leaving your friends behind. And not to sound snotty, but dang I left a lot of friends behind. I realize I have only been here a little over a month, but I have only met a few friends here. It is just lonely!!! So, this little blog really makes up for it. I need some coffee chics to come to Starbucks with me. Yes, once a Starbuck addict... always a Starbucks addict.

Friday, March 2, 2007

Is it TGIF? Our little household has the Colorado Crud! I have been waiting for it to come. Each time we move one of us gets it. Lexi had it earlier this week and Brandon had to have it as well. We share in our house! It is just those nagging fevers and cough but it just makes their little bodies feel terrible. Since Brandon has been sick, he has missed three days of school and we have been stuck in this house. Let me scream pllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaz! Cabin FEVER is what I am getting!! We are headed to the Dr. here in a minute to make sure nothing else is going on. Hopefully I can find the clinic. Ha!

Anyways, last night I wanted to use my Big Blooms set on a scrapbook page. I know there are quite a few Basic Grey lovers out there and this set really mimics the Blush line of BG. I really like it. Anyhoo, this is what I created. I know some of you are screaming... "there is a crooked picture on KIMBERLYs layout!" I know, I know!! Crazy mood I was in. :) I used an oversize photo and just had fun playing with a few elements. I did a lot of cutting which many folks despise. My philosphy... detail. It is all in the detail. The cut flowers were able to be popped up on dimensionals and IRL, they look super cute. My chipboard I inked with Craft ink and then dried it with my heat gun. Then I stamped on it using the Doodle This set and White Stazon. I could of used my White Craft pad, but since I am the impatient one I decided to use the White Stazon instead. I also used this with the Doodle Alphabet. Are these not the cutest alphies ever? Gosh, I do love them. I stamped right on the photo and it really made the title pop!!

I added a few metal pieces from the hodgepodge hardware and I think it added to the doo dads of this layout. Regardless of what was done to it, bottom line... I had fun!! That is what you are supposed to have when scrapbooking. It did help that I listened to a little Jimmy Buffett and thought about sweating on a beach. I could go for some sweltering heat other than my convection heater at my desk!!! Can goosebumps permanently affect your skin if they last more than two months? Hmm.. good question isn't it!

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Well many of you are having that wonderful SPRING weather and I am having WINTER still. Didn't that crazy groundhog see his shadow??? We received a little snow yesterday and it was a bit chilly! I decided it was a great day to stamp! My grandmother had outpatient surgery on her back so I made her a get well card. I think she will enjoy it. She actually makes her own cards, just not stamping. She likes to recycle old cards and she makes her own. They are quite nice and I always enjoy anything from her! So this one is for her! Note, I was blog browsing when I saw Beate do this great card and loved the layout of it. Mine is not really like it, but I wanted to give to try something different. Check hers out!

Isn't the bear just so sweet? I raised him up on dimensionals so he really stands out. Love him.

Then lastly, I probably shouldn't show this because they should be a surprise... but I had so much fun making them!! I have such a FABULOUS downline. I mean the best! Many of them will be receiving something like this!!

The frames came from Target dollar spot! I was so happy when I found these. I used the new Big Blooms set and I LOVE this set along with my other favorite Doodle This!! I did add some bling bling to them because they are very special people!! I hope they likey!!!

Okay, enough from me. I have babbled long enough! Time to go stamp more stuffs!